WIND & WUTHERING

"Wind and wuthering" was yet again one in the streak of fantastic Genesis album. It was also the last truly progressive one. What superlatives can it hold? I consider it being most romantic and elegant Genesis album. Banks (composing, arrangements and playing) and Collins (drums, vocals) are in the exceptional shape. Unfortunately, Hackett isn't represented as much as he should, with the exception of "Blood on the rooftops", "Unquiet Slumbers for the Sleepers..." and "...In That Quiet Earth" though he is still an important contributor to the Genesis sound. Banks uses synths, digital piano and Mellotron architect a rich and one of a kind symphonic sound magnified by his choice of wonderful chord sequences. Collins has gained more colour and subtlety in his voice but wasn't yet at his peak. I like Rutherford use of a powerful bass pedal that augments Banks' approach.

The album starts with two exceptional fantasy tracks. Both are very well developed and bring additional graduation sections at the end. If you listen to this on YouTube, you'll see many listeners praising these epics. Banks mellow solo interludes cross the classical territory and create a natural flow. "One of the vine" is an example of tender singing, guitar and on the other hand, powerful ARP/synth instrumental section supported by disco-like drumming. The tension peak at 8:20 is yet another stunning clever part. Collins' range here is phenomenal. After stepping up to spectacular heights of the two first tracks, things get simplified on "Your own special way", it is closer to pop than prog. The song could have been shorter but Collin's voice treatment and Banks' digital piano solo in the middle are the highlights. "Wot gorilla" is perhaps the only jazz-tinged number that could have easily come out of "Trick of the tail" sessions. It's first two minutes are strong, then it loses the steam a bit. Nice collaboration between Banks and Hackett. "All in a mouse's night" takes us into a magical world of Mellotron, synths and dynamic changes. From 3:55 onward, the band pulls out a stunning symphonic moment with synth layers and dueling with guitar. "Blood on the rooftops" is an introspective melancholic number, not too progressive but well arranged and Hackett distinguished playing propel it to one of the most beautiful Genesis tracks. "In that quiet earth" reminds me a bit of "Los Endos" with its upbeat instrumentation but thankfully, it doesn't reference other pieces from the album. While former Genesis albums may have been more experimental and progressive, the magic of the "Trick of the tail", "Wind and wuthering" and "ATTWT" is at full display. Wind and wuthering has almost no flaws which would change from the next album on. I feel that the loss of Hackett did more to the band than Gabriel's departure. 4.5 stars